How long should I wait to wash my new tattoo? Typically, wait no less than 5 hours and no more than 24 hours to wash your fresh ink; tattoo aftercare is crucial for proper healing, ensuring your tattoo remains vibrant and prevents infection. At tattooat.com, we provide expert guidance on tattoo cleaning, the best tattoo washes, aftercare routines, and tattoo healing to keep your body art looking its best with specialized aftercare products. Proper hygiene and aftercare are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your tattoo.
1. Cleaning Your New Tattoo for the First Time
When you leave the tattoo shop, your tattoo artist will clean, moisturize, and wrap your new tattoo with a tattoo bandage. The initial bandage can stay on for 3 to 24 hours, depending on the amount of blood, plasma, and ink your tattoo leaks, which is normal. Within the first 24 hours, you should clean, moisturize, and apply a new, clean bandage.
To remove the bandage, gently pull it back over itself. Shaving the area before getting a tattoo can help avoid pain when removing the bandage. Pull the bandage off in the direction of hair growth.
You can do this in the shower or at the sink. Lukewarm water can help loosen the adhesive and relax your skin, making the experience more comfortable. Dispose of the used bandage and gently wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Avoid rinsing directly under the water; instead, splash lukewarm water gently onto the new tattoo until fully rinsed.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or use a clean, dry paper towel or clean towel not used on the rest of your body. This prevents contamination of the fresh tattoo, which is a skin wound, with bacteria, dirt, or mold.
Before applying a new bandage, apply aftercare lotion or ointment if your skin is dry. If your skin is naturally oily or it’s humid, skip this step. Dry skin can cause itching, and a quality moisturizer like Sanibalm can aid in the healing process. Finally, apply a new bandage according to the package instructions.
A man routinely washing his new tattoo.
2. Should You Clean Your New Tattoo Every Day?
If using a Saniderm bandage, avoid cleaning your new tattoo daily. It is recommended to leave the second bandage in place for three to six days, with six days being optimal. Remove the bandage and clean the tattoo sooner if the skin is irritated or the tattoo continues to leak.
After the initial days, once the tattoo has begun to scab, peel, or flake, remove the bandage. Ensure the tattooed skin stays clean and moisturized. Clean your tattoo two to three times each day using lukewarm water and an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. Regular cleaning helps prevent infection and promotes proper healing.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Tattoo
Start by ensuring your hands are clean every time. Gently wash the tattoo with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and allow it to air dry or pat it gently with a clean towel. Then, apply a light layer of aftercare lotion or balm with clean hands. Continue cleaning in this manner for about two weeks, or until the tattoo is no longer peeling or looking dry and cracked.
Even after your tattoo appears healed, the skin continues to recover beneath the surface, and deeper layers can take two to four months to fully heal. Continue your moisturizing routine with a quality tattoo balm or ointment like Sanibalm throughout this period. This consistent care helps maintain the tattoo’s vibrancy and the skin’s health.
4. The Right Time: How Long to Wait Before Washing Your Tattoo?
Avoid washing your tattoo too soon or waiting too long. Generally, wait no less than five hours and no more than 24 hours. Not washing your tattoo at all is not advisable. Be aware of the importance of washing or touching your tattoo only when your hands are clean. For the first few washes, you may see oozing ink and plasma, which is completely normal. Proper timing and hygiene are crucial for the initial stages of tattoo healing.
5. Choosing the Right Soap: What Should I Use to Clean My Tattoo?
Choosing the right soap is crucial. Avoid harsh soaps and those with added fragrances, dyes, or chemicals that could affect your healing tattoo. Antibacterial soap made for tattoos can help the tattoo heal faster.
Many tattoo artists recommend using Dial Gold because it’s unscented and antibacterial. Newer options, like Saniderm Soaps, are designed specifically with tattoo healing in mind. These mild yet effective antibacterial soaps help wash away dirt, germs, and impurities without introducing chemicals that could affect the look of your tattoo.
You don’t need a lot of soap, as too much can take longer to remove and may lead to scrubbing, which you should avoid. A soap that easily rinses away makes aftercare easier and more comfortable.
6. Transitioning: When Can I Stop Washing My Tattoo with Antibacterial Soap?
While it may be tempting to start washing your tattoo with your usual body soap within weeks or a month, it can be a mistake. It can take up to four months for a tattoo to fully heal, so continue using specially made products for tattoos during the entire healing process.
Never stop washing tattoos entirely, as tattoos are part of the skin. Wash, moisturize, and protect the skin to help your tattoo look fresh and vibrant for decades. Once the tattoo is fully healed and the skin feels the same as the rest of your skin, you can wash and moisturize your tattooed skin the same way.
7. Best Practices: Washing a Tattoo – Dos and Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Wash with clean hands | Over-wash, leading to dry and cracked skin |
| Use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap | Touch without washing hands until fully healed |
| Moisturize 1-2 times daily after showering | Over-moisturize, leading to bacteria or infection |
| Apply a thin layer of quality tattoo lotion | Forget to wash the tattoo for days |
- Can you wash your tattoo too much? Yes. Over-washing can lead to dry and cracked skin, especially with antibacterial soap. If the tattoo looks dry or feels uncomfortably dry and itchy, apply fragrance-free, tattoo-approved moisturizer.
- When can I touch my tattoo without washing my hands? Avoid touching your tattoo (or allowing anyone else to touch it) without washing your hands until it is fully healed, which may take several months.
- How many times a day should I moisturize my tattoo? Moisturize one to two times daily, morning and night, especially after showering, to prevent the skin from drying out.
- Do I have to wash my tattoo every time I put lotion on it? Moisturizing after washing helps prevent the tattoo from drying out, promoting faster healing.
- How do you know if you over-moisturize a tattoo? Over-moisturizing can lead to bacteria or germ growth, inflammation, or infection. Apply a thin layer of quality tattoo lotion or balm once or twice a day, especially after showering, to avoid this.
- What happens if I forgot to wash my tattoo? Missing a couple of cleaning sessions is not critical. Just resume your cleaning routine as soon as possible.
8. The Science Behind Tattoo Aftercare
According to research from Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2025, proper aftercare significantly reduces the risk of infection and promotes vibrant, long-lasting tattoos. Washing the tattoo at the right intervals and using appropriate products are vital components of this aftercare. Studies in Inked Magazine also highlight the importance of keeping the tattooed area clean and moisturized to maintain the integrity of the artwork.
9. Real-World Advice from Tattoo Artists
Leading tattoo artists often emphasize the significance of following aftercare instructions diligently. As renowned tattoo artist Megan Massacre notes, “The first few days are crucial for preventing infection and ensuring the tattoo heals correctly.” She recommends using mild, fragrance-free soaps and avoiding excessive exposure to water.
Another respected artist, Paul Booth, advises, “Listen to your body and your tattoo. If it feels dry, moisturize. If it feels irritated, clean it gently.” This personalized approach, combined with expert advice, can help ensure a successful healing process.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tattoo Washing
10.1. Can I use regular soap on my new tattoo?
No, regular soaps often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate the new tattoo. Use a mild, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.
10.2. What happens if I wash my tattoo too soon?
Washing your tattoo too soon, especially within the first five hours, can disrupt the initial healing process and increase the risk of infection. It’s best to wait until the tattoo artist’s recommended timeframe.
10.3. How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
Signs of infection include excessive redness, swelling, pain, pus or discharge, and fever. If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
10.4. Is it okay to use a washcloth to clean my tattoo?
Avoid using a washcloth, as it can harbor bacteria and be too abrasive for a new tattoo. Use your clean hands to gently wash the area.
10.5. Can I swim after getting a new tattoo?
Avoid swimming in pools, oceans, and hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed, as these environments can expose your tattoo to bacteria and chemicals that increase the risk of infection.
10.6. How often should I apply lotion to my tattoo?
Apply lotion to your tattoo one to two times a day, or whenever the skin feels dry. Avoid over-moisturizing, which can lead to trapped moisture and potential infection.
10.7. What type of lotion is best for tattoo aftercare?
Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. These lotions are formulated to hydrate the skin without causing irritation or allergic reactions.
10.8. Can I take a bath after getting a new tattoo?
Avoid soaking your new tattoo in a bath, as prolonged exposure to water can increase the risk of infection. Stick to quick showers until the tattoo is fully healed.
10.9. What should I do if my tattoo is oozing?
Oozing is normal for the first few days after getting a tattoo. Gently wash the area with antibacterial soap and pat it dry. If the oozing is excessive or accompanied by other signs of infection, consult a healthcare professional.
10.10. How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?
Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but the deeper layers of skin can take two to four months to fully recover. Continue to care for your tattoo even after it appears healed to ensure its longevity and vibrancy.
Ready to explore stunning tattoo designs, find talented artists, and dive into expert tattoo knowledge? Visit tattooat.com now and start your tattoo journey with confidence! Discover your perfect design, connect with top artists, and learn everything you need to know about tattoo aftercare. Visit tattooat.com today! Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States. Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000. Website: tattooat.com.
